September 9, 2012 7:29pm EDTSeptember 9, 2012 7:01pm EDTThe Miami Dolphins’ offense, already short of playmakers, may have taken a big hit in the 30-10 loss to the Houston Texans when running back Daniel Thomas suffered a concussion.

Ben Volin

Published on Sep. 9, 2012

Sep. 9, 2012

HOUSTON — The Miami Dolphins’ offense, already short of playmakers, may have taken another big hit in Sunday’s 30-10 loss to the Houston Texans when running back Daniel Thomas left the game in the second quarter with a concussion.

Thomas was injured with 35 seconds left in the first half when he was drilled by Texans strong safety Glover Quin and fumbled on the play.

Thomas lay on the ground for several moments and eventually walked slowly off the field with the help of two trainers. The concussion was bad enough that Thomas, who does not have a history of head injuries, was not on the Dolphins’ sideline in the second half and was not available to the media after the game.

Thomas (6-1, 230) clearly is the second option in the running game behind Reggie Bush, but he is in line for touchdowns as the red zone back. He rushed for 11 yards on three carries against Houston and also had a 32-yard reception on a screen.

Thomas’ injury will mean more touches for Bush, who had 69 yards with a 4.9 average Sunday. First-year back Marcus Thigpen, a former Canadian Football League star, will likely see more playing time if Thomas can’t play next Sunday against Oakland.

Rookie back Lamar Miller, a fourth-round pick, was inactive Sunday but could see the field next week. And fullback Jorvorskie Lane, who caught one pass for 24 yards Sunday, could have a bigger role in the short-yardage offense.